Technical Abstract:
This work was initiated to find new uses for pectin, an abundant polysaccharide found in low-valued agricultural processing residues such as sugar beet pulp and citrus pulp. Most research to expand uses of pectin are all directed towards food applications, which are inherently limited in their market value and scope. We are now investigating high-valued uses of pectin in biomedical applications.
Pectin derived matrices are now being examined and tested for controlled drug delivery. Pectin is intact in the upper gastrointestinal tract and degraded by colonic microflora. The composition of this microflora remains relatively consistent across a diverse human population. Thus, pectin derived drug carriers provide promising potential for colon-specific drug delivery. This paper reviews recent developments in pectin derived formulations. Subjects reviewed include gelation of pectin, calcium cross-linked pectinate, composites of pectin and other polymers, technologies to fabricate pectin into useful drug delivery vehicles, and methods to evaluate release kinetics of incorporated drugs. This article discusses advantages, limitations, and possible future developments in pectin based formulations with particular emphasis on the field of colon-specific drug delivery.